HEAVY WITHIN

Sunday, August 27, 2006

GONZALO S. GACHO SR. (1942-2006)

The 70 days that he spent in the hospital was an uphill battle not only for him but for the entire family. He underwent hemodialysis 39 times before he passed on.

His hospital bill was unsurmountable and was both financially and emotionally draining for those who were left to take care of him.

Here is a copy of the Eulogy that was delivered during the Funeral Mass last August 21, Monday at St. Jude Parish, Davao City:

GONZALO S. GACHO SR. is fondly called “SAL” by his co-workers. He is also lovingly called “OTAY” or “OTIC” or "TECS" by close family and friends.

He was born on the 3rd of March 1942 in the town of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental to BONIFACIO EDANG GACHO and ASUNCION TAJANGLANGIT SALES. He is the third among the nine siblings. He finished his secondary education at La Carlota City High School. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at the University Sto. Tomas, Manila. After the passing the CPA Licensure examination, he joined Pacific Banking Corporation in 1962 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. He rose from the ranks to become the Branch Manager of Pacific Banking Corporation Davao San Pedro Branch in 1979 until the bank closed in 1985.

I remember my Dad best for his integrity. He was a loving father and a strict disciplinarian. He was a man of few words yet he was a witty and delightful person to talk with. He touched the lives of not just one but many individuals, by his example. He did his best for us during the time that he was jobless and faced with a family of five to feed and four children to send to school.But he managed to overcome all these adversities and was fulfilled to see, that me and my three sisters finished college and have lives of our own.

His last few years with us were relatively simple. He was contented in pursuing his daily fishing hobby and selling cellfone loads to neighbors at Matina Executive Homes.

“Kahit konting diperensya, larga…” is a trait of wisdom that I have learned from him but yet have to master.

In behalf of the family of the late GONZALO S. GACHO SR., we would like to express our hearfelt gratitude to each and every one present here today. We would also like to thank those who are unable to join us in this gathering who have, in their own way, supported our family as we pay homage and bring our beloved GONZALO “SAL” GACHO SR. to his final resting place.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

THE SILENT DEBATE

I would like to thank my good friend, Cris Cabe, for cheering me up and emailing me this amusing story.Thank you very much, Cris.

Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews had to convert to Catholicism or leave Italy. There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so the Pope offered a deal. He would have a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy. If the Pope won, they would have to leave or convert.

The Jewish people met and picked an aged, but wise, Rabbi Moshe to represent them in the debate. However, as Moshe spoke no Italian and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, they all agreed that it would be a "silent" debate.

On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi Moshe sat opposite each other. The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Rabbi Moshe looked back and raised one finger.

Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head. Rabbi Moshe pointed to the ground where he sat.

The Pope then brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine. Rabbi Moshe pulled out an apple.

With that, the Pope stood up and declared that he was beaten ... that Rabbi Moshe was too clever and that the Jews could stay in Italy.

Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope asking what had happened. The Pope said, "First, I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me that there is still only one God common to both our beliefs.

Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show that God was also right here with us.

I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that God absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin. He had me beaten at my every move and I could not continue."

Meanwhile, the Jewish community was gathered around Rabbi Moshe. "How did you win the debate?" they asked.

"I haven't a clue," said Moshe. "First he said to me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger!

Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews and I said to him we're staying right here."